Description: These baked cream cheese chicken taquitos are a delightful twist on the classic Mexican snack. They combine the savory flavors of seasoned chicken with the creamy richness of cream cheese and cheddar, all wrapped in a crispy tortilla. Baked to golden perfection, these taquitos are healthier than their fried counterparts and incredibly easy to make, making them perfect for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup salsa
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 10 small flour or corn tortillas
- Cooking spray or olive oil for brushing
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat Oven: Set oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures that the taquitos bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan. Parchment paper also makes for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, salsa, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. Make sure the cream cheese is softened to ensure a smooth and creamy mixture. If it’s still cold, microwave it for a few seconds to soften it up.
Step 3: Assemble Taquitos: Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, spreading it evenly in a line. Don’t overfill the tortillas, or they might be difficult to roll. Roll each tortilla up tightly and place it seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Placing the taquitos seam-side down prevents them from unraveling during baking.
Step 4: Bake Taquitos: Lightly brush each taquito with cooking spray or olive oil. Brushing them with oil helps them get golden brown and crispy. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them during baking to prevent burning.
Step 5: Serve: Remove the taquitos from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa on the side for dipping. These taquitos are delicious on their own, but a dipping sauce adds an extra layer of flavor.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
These Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are a winner for so many reasons. First, they’re incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes. This makes them perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to cook.
Second, they’re a healthier alternative to fried taquitos. Baking them instead of frying significantly reduces the amount of fat, making them a guilt-free indulgence. You still get the same crispy texture and delicious flavor, but without all the added calories.
Third, they’re incredibly versatile. You can easily customize the filling to suit your taste preferences. Add some chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick, or swap out the cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different flavor profile. You can also use different types of salsa to add variety.
Finally, these taquitos are a crowd-pleaser. They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or game day gatherings. Everyone loves them, and they’re always a hit. They’re also a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for dipping.
- Add a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or shredded lettuce for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve as an appetizer for a party or gathering.
- Pack them in a lunchbox for a delicious and satisfying midday meal.
Tips:
- To prevent the tortillas from cracking, warm them slightly before filling and rolling. You can do this by microwaving them for a few seconds or heating them in a dry skillet.
- Don’t overfill the tortillas, or they will be difficult to roll and may burst during baking.
- Place the taquitos seam-side down on the baking sheet to prevent them from unraveling.
- If you don’t have cooking spray, you can brush the taquitos with olive oil instead.
- For extra crispy taquitos, bake them on a wire rack placed on top of the baking sheet. This will allow air to circulate around the taquitos, resulting in a crispier texture.
- You can prepare the taquitos ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Leftover taquitos can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per taquito, approximate)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 12g
- Sodium: 250mg (Note: sodium content can vary significantly based on the specific brands of salsa and other ingredients used. Check the labels for accurate values.)
Conclusion:
These Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are a delightful and easy-to-make dish that is sure to please everyone. They’re perfect for a quick weeknight meal, a fun party appetizer, or a satisfying snack. The combination of savory chicken, creamy cheese, and crispy tortilla is simply irresistible. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll have a new favorite dish that you’ll make again and again. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas? A1: Yes, you can definitely use corn tortillas! However, corn tortillas tend to be more brittle than flour tortillas, so it’s important to warm them slightly before filling and rolling to prevent them from cracking. You can do this by microwaving them for a few seconds or heating them in a dry skillet. Also, corn tortillas will give the taquitos a slightly different flavor and texture, so keep that in mind.
Q2: What can I substitute for the cream cheese if I don’t have any? A2: If you don’t have cream cheese, you can try using Greek yogurt or sour cream as a substitute. These will add a similar tang and creaminess to the filling, although the texture might be slightly different. You could also use ricotta cheese, but be sure to drain it well to remove any excess moisture.
Q3: Can I add any vegetables to the filling? A3: Absolutely! Adding vegetables to the filling is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of the taquitos. Some good options include diced bell peppers, onions, corn, black beans, or spinach. Just be sure to chop the vegetables finely and sauté them lightly before adding them to the filling, to ensure they are cooked through.
Q4: Can these taquitos be made ahead of time? A4: Yes, these taquitos can be made ahead of time. Assemble them as directed, then cover them tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake them, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they are heated through and the tortillas are crispy.
Q5: Can I freeze these taquitos? A5: Yes, you can freeze these taquitos for longer storage. Assemble them as directed, then place them on a baking sheet and freeze them for about an hour, or until they are solid. Once they are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake them, you can bake them directly from frozen, but you’ll need to add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time. Make sure they are heated through before serving.
